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AnteayerInternacionales

Predictive Capacity of the Integrated Care for Older People Screening Tool to Assess Fall Risk in Older Adults in Geriatric Care

ABSTRACT

Aim

To evaluate the predictive capacity of the Integrated Care for Older People screening tool for the risk of falls in older people receiving care at a healthcare service.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Method

This study was conducted in a geriatric healthcare service in the southeast region of Brazil. The convenience sample included older people aged 60 and over living at home. The study used the Fall Risk Score to assess the risk of falls and the Integrated Care for Older People screening tool to track intrinsic capacity. The data was analysed using logistic regression to analyse the association between the six Intrinsic Capacity domains, for the early detection of impairment and risk of falls.

Results

A total of 253 older adults participated in the study, most of whom were identified as having a high risk of falls. Logistic regression analysis across six association models revealed that the models including the Intrinsic Capacity domains of locomotion and hearing had a significant association with having a higher risk of falls. Care plans should prioritise the domains most strongly associated with fall risk, guiding targeted strategies to enhance older adults' safety.

Conclusion

The Integrated Care for Older People screening tool, in the locomotion and hearing domains, is associated with the risk of falls in older people from the community receiving care in a geriatric healthcare service. Future longitudinal studies could show whether other domains of intrinsic capacity can predict the occurrence of falls.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This study highlights the Integrated Care for Older People screening tool as essential in nursing practice, especially for assessing the locomotion and hearing domains of intrinsic capacity. Early detection of impairments helps identify increased fall risk in older adults, enabling nurses to implement targeted, person-centred interventions that enhance safety, autonomy and overall quality of life.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Reporting Method

This study complied with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines for cross-sectional studies.

Self‐Management in Children and Adolescents With Chronic Illness: An Evolutionary Analysis of the Concept

ABSTRACT

Aim

To increase conceptual clarity regarding the self-management of school-age children and adolescents with chronic illnesses in a community context.

Design

Concept Analysis: Rodgers' evolutionary approach.

Data Sources

Search conducted in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, Nursing and Allied Health Collection, Academic Search Complete, Cochrane, Web of Science, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Scopus, Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence Synthesis. Thirty-one articles were identified, published between 2004 and 2023.

Reporting Method

Followed the Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research guidelines—Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020.

Results

Self-management in children and adolescents with chronic illness, in school age, in a community context, consists of a process of acquiring knowledge and beliefs that promote the self-efficacy of this population in developing skills to face needs inherent to the health condition.

Conclusion

Promoting self-management goes beyond simply educating for skill acquisition. Participants with stronger beliefs in their ability to control their behaviours are more successful in self-management. The activation of resources that position the child as an agent of change is recommended.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

It contributes to the development of strategies that promote self-management across different healthcare disciplines, focusing on education and change, but also on psychological encouragement to foster confidence in change.

Impact

Competent self-management during childhood promotes autonomy, empowerment, and control of the condition, with consequent physical and emotional well-being, quality of life, family stability, and social development.

No Patient or Public Contribution

There was no direct contribution from patients or the public in this work (literature review).

Increased risk of dementia in older adults starting sulfonylurea: taking sulfonylurea off the list

Por: Pessoa Lima · D. · Santos · L. T. R.

Commentary on: Wu CY, Iskander C, Wang C, et al. Association of sulfonylureas with the risk of dementia: A population-based cohort study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2023; 71:3059–70.

Implications for practice and research

  • Unless contraindicated, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) should be used as first-line choice in older adults with type 2 diabetes in preference to sulfonylurea due to increased risk of dementia.

  • Prospective studies are needed to ascertain if the use of sulfonylurea by older adult patients causes higher risk of developing dementia.

  • Context

    Diabetes is already known as a risk factor for developing dementia. Multiple factors contribute to this association: presence of microvascular and macrovascular complications, chronic inflammation, hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia.1

    Older adult patients often present with multimorbidities, polypharmacy, malnutrition, sarcopenia, longer duration of diabetes and renal and hepatic dysfunction. Furthermore, low education level, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, obstructive...

    People's Experiences of Their Involvement in Nursing Care: A Qualitative Systematic Review With Meta‐Aggregation Synthesis

    ABSTRACT

    Introduction

    Global organizations have pronounced about the importance of involving people in health care, however, this process is challenging. Given the availability of evidence that addresses people's experiences of involvement in nursing care, it is important to produce recommendations at this point by synthesizing the evidence. So, this review aims to synthesize the available qualitative evidence about people's experiences of their involvement in nursing care in a hospital setting.

    Design

    Systematic review of qualitative evidence.

    Methods

    This systematic review was conducted according to the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence. A comprehensive search strategy was conducted in nine databases/resources. The selection process, methodological quality assessment, and data extraction were conducted independently by two reviewers. The data were synthesized using the meta-aggregation approach, and the results were graded according to ConQual.

    Results

    A total of 75 findings and 141 illustrations were extracted from the 15 included studies. These findings were aggregated into 12 categories and generated into three synthesized findings: (1) People who are hospitalized conceptualize and attribute importance to involvement in nursing care as an active process of participation and monitoring of care, decision-making, opinion, and partnership; (2) The establishment of a relationship between hospitalized people and nurses, trust, communication, and information are essential for participation in care; (3) People's participation in care is affected by the person's own constraints and preference for assuming a passive role, by barriers associated with a lack of information, the organization of care, the relationship established between nurses, and paternalistic attitudes.

    Conclusion

    People who were admitted to hospital conceptualized and attached importance to this phenomenon, perceived the conditions necessary to promote it, and the barriers they experienced.

    Clinical Relevance

    This systematic review provides recommendations for nurses' clinical practice (with grade B). It recommends that nurses should establish a partnership relationship with hospitalized people, through trust, communication and information; give people the opportunity to monitor care, participate in decision-making and give their opinion; assess the person's preferences for involvement and other factors; and that the barriers to this process identified here should be assessed and addressed in each context. As such, this review provides very valuable information for nurses' clinical practice and should also be incorporated into health policy.

    Protocol Registration: PROSPERO CRD42024506501.

    Nursing Care in Hospital Settings for Victims of Mental Disorders: Systematic Review With Meta‐Aggregation

    ABSTRACT

    Introduction

    Approximately 25% of the Brazilian population suffers from mental disorders, a prevalence exacerbated by systemic and cultural factors such as socioeconomic inequalities, underfunded mental health services, regional disparities, and persistent stigma. These conditions significantly impact hospital care. Nurses, due to their direct contact with these patients, face challenges ranging from managing physical conditions to handling verbal aggression and psychiatric crises. This study aimed to assess the scientific evidence regarding nursing care for hospitalized patients with psychiatric disorders.

    Methods

    A systematic review with a mixed-methods approach was conducted, registered in PROSPERO (#CRD42022359288) and guided by PRISMA standards. Databases, such as MEDLINE, LILACS, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and BDEnf, were searched using keywords like “Mental disorder,” “Psychiatric health,” “Nursing care,” and “Hospital.” Methodological quality was assessed using JBI and SQUIRE tools. The integration of quantitative and qualitative components occurred through meta-aggregation of qualitative data and frequency-based coding of quantitative themes, allowing thematic convergence across study designs.

    Results

    Six studies were included. Meta-aggregation revealed frequent terms, such as “Nurse,” “Emergency,” “Screening,” “Patient,” and “Care.” Similarity analysis linked “Nurse” with “perception” and “experience” and “Emergency” with “Screening” and “Mental health,” highlighting the importance of experience and training. Five categories emerged: (1) professional experience (19.05%, showing skill gaps despite experience); (2) caring process (19.05%, stressing efficient screening); (3) barriers and challenges (19.05%, revealing difficulty with comorbidities); (4) training process (19.05%, identifying training deficiencies); and (5) therapeutic interventions (23.81%, discussing restraint use). These percentages refer to the proportional frequency of themes identified across the total number of studies analyzed. For thematic classification, only statistically significant chi-square values (p < 0.05) were considered in the grouping of content.

    Conclusion

    Nursing care for psychiatric patients in hospitals faces challenges like insufficient training and difficulty managing psychiatric comorbidities. Recommendations include incorporating structured mental health content into nursing curricula and hospital-based continuing education programs. These strategies may guide future healthcare policies in Brazil by improving patient safety, reducing hospital readmissions, and promoting more humane, evidence-based therapeutic interventions.

    Clinical Relevance

    The findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted education and training to improve nursing care for psychiatric patients in hospital settings.

    Implementation of Simulation‐Based Technology to Promote Safety in the Nursing Handover in the Intensive Care Unit

    ABSTRACT

    Aims and Objectives

    To evaluate the impact of implementing a prototype of simulation-based educational technology on raising awareness among ICU nurses, improving communication in nursing handover, and promoting patient safety.

    Design

    Qualitative study based on the conceptual framework of patient safety. The COREQ tool guided the presentation of the research report.

    Methods

    The research was conducted with 18 nurses from the ICU of a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who worked directly in nursing handover. The technology implemented was developed based on communication failures identified in a previous stage of the macro research project. This evidence supported the development of a simulated scenario of a nursing handover of a critical patient, which was recorded in audio and video. The video addressed content (absence, incompleteness and lack of ordering of information) and behavioural errors (interruptions, distractions, noise and lack of clarity) during communication between intensive care nurses. The video was implemented with nurses through the use of telesimulation with debriefing. Finally, the nurses were subjected to a semi-structured interview to evaluate the potential of the technology, whose data underwent thematic analysis with an inductive model.

    Results

    The nurses recognised the communication failures portrayed as part of their daily practice, reflected on their mistakes, and on actions to be adopted to change behaviour during the handover.

    Conclusions

    The simulation-based technology prototype has the potential to promote self-reflection and raise nurses' awareness of the need to change behaviours during the handover.

    Relevance to Clinical Practice

    The simulation-based technology prototype can be applied as an educational strategy to improve communication safety in nursing handover.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    No patient or public contribution.

    Isolated and Combined Effects of Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity on Muscle Strength in Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study

    ABSTRACT

    Aim

    We aim the isolated and combined effects of sedentary behaviour exposure time and physical activity levels on muscle strength in older adults.

    Design

    This prospective observational cohort study, analytical in nature, using exploratory survey methods and physical performance testing. With 5-year longitudinal follow-up (2015–2020).

    Methods

    A total of 459 older adults participated in the baseline, with a total of 224 being included/located again in the follow-up. We evaluate muscle strength using handgrip tests and sit-to-stand tests. The international physical activity questionnaire was used to measure physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Generalised Estimation Equations tested both independent and combined effects, reporting results as β coefficients and confidence intervals.

    Results

    Older adults exhibiting low sedentary behaviour displayed enhanced handgrip strength compared to those with high sedentary behaviour. Notably, older adults who were sufficiently active with low sedentary behaviour, sufficiently active with high sedentary behaviour, and insufficiently active with low sedentary behaviour showed increased handgrip strength compared to their counterparts who were insufficiently active with high sedentary behaviour. This trend was consistent for lower limb strength.

    Conclusion

    Interventions that encourage a reduction in sedentary behaviour and an increase in physical activity are essential to maintain muscle strength among older adults.

    Implications for Practice

    The findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing both sedentary behaviour and physical activity levels in clinical interventions aimed at preserving muscle strength in older adults. Routine assessments of physical activity and sedentary behaviour could help tailor personalised exercise programs, potentially enhancing functional independence and reducing the risk of frailty and disability in older patients.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    Patients were involved in the sample of the study.

    Reporting Method

    This study was conducted in accordance with the Strengthening Research in Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

    Empirical Testing of a Middle‐Range Theory for Ineffective Breathing Pattern in Children With Congenital Heart Disease

    ABSTRACT

    Aim

    To test a middle-range theory (MRT) for the nursing diagnosis of ineffective breathing pattern in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) based on analysis of two general propositions.

    Methods

    This cross-sectional study is guided by STROBE. The propositions represent hypotheses about the relationships between the concepts of this MRT to be tested empirically, and thus, log-linear models were used to verify the structure of the proposition related to the stimuli. Diagnostic accuracy measures, univariate logistic regressions and the Mann–Whitney test were used to analyse the structure of the propositions related to behaviours.

    Results

    The analysis of the propositions related to the stimuli (eight concepts, four of which were classified as focal stimuli and four as contextual stimuli) suggested a reclassification of the stimulus “deformities in the thoracic wall” which became too focal. In the analysis of the propositions related to behaviours (17 concepts, five of which were classified as acute confirmatory, nine as acute clinical deterioration and three classified as chronic), guided changes in the operationalisation of concepts were suggested after comparing clinical findings; thus, acute confirmatory behaviours now have 10 concepts, while acute clinical deterioration behaviours and chronic behaviours continued with nine and three concepts, respectively, but with reclassifications between them.

    Conclusion

    Changes in the operationalisation of the classification of the elements of the two propositions occurred after comparing the clinical findings with the theoretical model.

    Relevance to Clinical Practice

    By establishing precise causal relationships and describing how IBP manifests itself over time in children with CHD, empirical testing of this MRT helps nurses understand clinical reasoning based on temporal logic and spectral interaction between diagnostic components, which in turn will improve the use and accuracy of nursing diagnoses.

    Patient Contribution

    Children and adolescents with CHD were recruited for this study sharing their clinical history and physical lung examination.

    What comes next? A cross‐sectional study on post‐discharge referrals of adolescents treated in emergency services following a suicide attempt

    Abstract

    Aim

    To assess the proportions and associated factors of different post-discharge referrals among adolescents treated in the emergency department after a suicide attempt.

    Design

    Observational, cross-sectional retrospective study.

    Methods

    We conducted a study using the medical records of 140 adolescents treated for a suicide attempt between January 2015 and May 2023 in a Brazilian emergency department, focusing on post-discharge referrals, defined as discharge without referral, unaddressed referral and referral addressed to the network. Associations between the outcomes and other variables were analysed using a Poisson regression model.

    Results

    Discharges without referrals prevailed, followed by addressed and unaddressed referrals. Regression models showed associations between post-discharge and age, prior continuous use of psychotropic medications, location of care, continued suicidal ideation at discharge and evaluation by a multi-professional team.

    Conclusion

    A high number of adolescents were discharged from emergency departments without co-ordination with the mental health network, and the involvement of the multi-professional team was positively associated with addressed referrals.

    Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

    This study informs healthcare professionals by raising awareness of their practices in discharging adolescents after suicide attempts in emergency departments, with the possibility of improving care quality and reducing the likelihood of readmission.

    Reporting Method

    STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE).

    Patient or Public Contribution

    No patient or public contribution.

    Content analysis of the nursing diagnosis of ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion in patients with diabetic foot

    Abstract

    Aim

    To analyse the content of the nursing diagnosis ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion in patients with diabetic foot.

    Design

    A methodological study with a quantitative approach was performed.

    Methods

    The analysis was performed between January and May 2021 by 34 nurses with clinical/theoretical/research experience with diabetes or nursing diagnoses. These nurses evaluated the relevance, clarity and precision of 12 diagnosis-specific etiological factors, 22 clinical indicators and their conceptual and operational definitions.

    Findings

    All 12 etiological factors analysed were considered relevant to diagnostic identification. However, five showed inconsistencies regarding the clarity or precision of the operational definitions, requiring adjustments. Regarding the 22 clinical indicators evaluated, all of them presented a Content Validity Index (CVI) that was statistically significant. However, in the indicators, the colour does not return to lowered limb after 1 min of leg elevation, and cold foot had Content Validity Index (CVI) <0.9 regarding relevance and accuracy of operational definitions.

    Conclusions

    Twelve etiological factors and 22 clinical indicators were validated. Thus, this study revealed new and relevant aspects characterising peripheral perfusion in patients with diabetic foot that have not yet been clinically validated.

    Implications for Nursing Practice

    This study contributes to support the professional practice of nurses through the early identification of etiological factors and clinical indicators in persons with diabetic foot. As a proposal, we suggest the inclusion of new defining characteristics and related factors for the nursing diagnosis ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion in the NANDA-I taxonomy.

    Impact

    The research highlights new and relevant aspects such as etiological factors and clinical indicators to characterise peripheral perfusion in patients with diabetic foot. Based on these findings, clinical validation is recommended to confirm the relevance of the proposed elements in the population studied for greater reliability and improved diagnostic assessment for the professional practice of nurses.

    Reporting Method

    EQUATOR guidelines were adhered to using the GRRAS checklist for reporting reliability and agreement studies.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    No patient or public contribution.

    Prevalence of adverse events in pronated intubated adult COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review with meta‐analysis

    Abstract

    Aim

    To present the pooled estimated prevalence of adverse events in pronated intubated adult COVID-19 patients.

    Design

    A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    Data sources

    This study used the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Embase, LILACS, Livivo, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases as data sources.

    Methods

    The studies were meta-analysed using JAMOVI 1.6.15 software. A random-effects model was used to identify the global prevalence of adverse events, confidence intervals and the heterogeneity data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach.

    Results

    Of the 7904 studies identified, 169 were included for full reading, and 10 were included in the review. The most prevalent adverse events were pressure injuries (59%), haemodynamic instability (23%), death (17%) and device loss or traction (9%).

    Conclusion

    The most prevalent adverse events in mechanically ventilated pronated patients with COVID-19 are pressure injuries, presence of haemodynamic instability, death and device loss or traction.

    Implications for the patient care

    The evidence identified in this review can help improve the quality and safety of patient care by helping to design care protocols to avoid the development of adverse events that can cause permanent sequelae in these patients.

    Impact

    This systematic review addressed the adverse events related to prone position in intubated adult COVID-19 patients. We identified that the most prevalent adverse events in these patients were pressure injuries, haemodynamic instability, device loss or traction and death. The results of this review may influence the clinical practice of nurses who work in intensive care units and, consequently, the nursing care provided not only to COVID-19 patients but for all intubated patients due to other reasons in intensive care units.

    Reporting method

    This systematic review adhered to the PRISMA reporting guideline.

    Patient or public contribution

    As this is a systematic review, we analysed data from primary studies conducted by many researchers. Thus, there was no patient or public contribution in this review.

    Prototyping Process and Usability Testing of a Serious Game for Brazilian Children With Type 1 Diabetes

    imageThis study aims to describe the prototype development and testing of a serious game designed for Brazilian children with diabetes. Following an approach of user-centered design, the researchers assessed game's preferences and diabetes learning needs to develop a Paper Prototype. The gameplay strategies included diabetes pathophysiology, self-care tasks, glycemic management, and food group learning. Diabetes and technology experts (n = 12) tested the prototype during audio-recorded sessions. Next, they answered a survey to evaluate the content, organization, presentation, and educational game aspects. The prototype showed a high content validity ratio (0.80), with three items not achieving the critical values (0.66). Experts recommended improving the game content and food illustrations. This evaluation contributed to the medium-fidelity prototype version, which after testing with diabetes experts (n = 12) achieved high content validity values (0.88). One item did not meet the critical values. Experts suggested increasing the options of outdoor activities and meals. Researchers also observed and video-recorded children with diabetes (n = 5) playing the game with satisfactory interaction. They considered the game enjoyable. The interdisciplinary team plays an important role guiding the designers in the use of theories and real needs of children. Prototypes are a low-cost usability and a successful method for evaluating games.

    Development, Validation, and Usability of the Chatbot ESTOMABOT to Promote Self-care of People With Intestinal Ostomy

    imageThis study aimed to describe the process of construction, validation, and usability of the chatbot ESTOMABOT to assist in the self-care of patients with intestinal ostomies. Methodological research was conducted in three phases: construction, validation, and usability. The first stage corresponded to the elaboration of a script through a literature review, and the second stage corresponded to face and content validation through a panel of enterostomal therapy nurses. In the third phase, the usability of ESTOMABOT was assessed with the participation of surgical clinic nurses, patients with intestinal elimination ostomies, and information technology professionals, using the System Usability Scale. The ESTOMABOT content reached excellent criteria of adequacy, with percentages of agreement equal to or greater than 90%, which were considered adequate, relevant, and representative. The evaluation of the content validity of the script using the scale content validity index/average proportion method reached a result above 0.90, and the Fleiss κ was excellent (P

    Feasibility of Lantern Using WhatsApp to Improve Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence

    imageThis pilot study tested the feasibility of Lantern program, an adherence program to HIV medications using WhatsApp, a secure social media messaging application from Meta, for a smartphone-based platform to enhance medication-taking adherence of antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV in Indonesia. Thirty participants were recruited for this 8-week study. We recruited persons if they had taken antiretroviral therapy for at least 3 months prior to the study, had a smartphone, Internet access, and could use Lantern with WhatsApp. Here, we report the results from the focus group discussions, with the participants evaluating the qualitative aspects of the experiences. The WhatsApp platform was found to be safe, practical, and relatively inexpensive and provided confidentiality for the participants. Three themes emerged from the focus groups: the study motivated participants to take their antiretroviral therapy medications on time, they still set medication reminder alarms, and being in the study made them feel supported. The Lantern program indicated good feasibility and acceptability for adherence to antiretroviral therapies among people living with HIV. Future research should examine on how community organizations and healthcare providers can take advantage of the WhatsApp program to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapies.

    The paradoxical position of nurses regarding euthanasia and its legalisation: A descriptive quantitative study

    Abstract

    Aims and Objectives

    To learn about the attitudes of nurses working in the Andalusian Public Health System regarding euthanasia and its legalisation.

    Background

    Euthanasia often finds itself in the crosshairs of ethical and political debate on an international scale. Currently, the Spanish Organic Law 3/2021 of 24 March, 2021, recognises euthanasia as a fundamental right in Spain. It is of particular interest to know about the views, attitudes and stances that Andalusian nurses have of euthanasia as they are key players within the framework of euthanasia and administration of life-ending drugs. They play a central role in guiding patients through the euthanasia application process.

    Design

    Observational descriptive study.

    Methods

    A study of Andalusian Public Health System nurses was carried out using non-probability convenience sampling. 518 nurses with an average age of 44.75 years answered in a questionnaire that was distributed on an online platform. Socio-demographic and occupational variables were assessed, together with the Death Anxiety Scale and the Euthanasia Attitude Scale. A bivariate analysis and a multivariate linear regression model were performed. The STROBE checklist was used.

    Results

    The mean score obtained on the Euthanasia Attitude Scale was 75.95 (SD = 16.53). The mean score obtained on the Death Anxiety Scale was 7.56 (SD = 3.05). The variables age and work experience were negatively correlated with the total scores of the Euthanasia Attitude Scale and the categories ‘Ethical considerations’, ‘Practical considerations’ and ‘Treasuring life’. On the other hand, there was a significant positive correlation between age and work experience and ‘Spiritual beliefs’ category.

    Conclusions

    The current situation shows a worrying paradox. There is a stark difference between positive professional attitudes towards euthanasia and the desire to participate in its application.

    Relevance to Clinical Practice

    It is vital that educational and healthcare institutions make the necessary efforts to ensure that nurses develop sound moral judgement, displaying the moral conscience and ethical commitment required of this established profession.

    Patient or Public Contribution

    No patient or public contribution.

    Changes in the diagnosis of depression among nursing professionals during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A longitudinal study

    Abstract

    Aims

    To identify changes in mental health status among nursing professionals in a Brazilian municipality during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Design

    An observational and longitudinal study.

    Methods

    Using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the presence of depressive symptoms was evaluated among 690 nursing professionals in the city of Pelotas, Brazil, at two moments: June/July 2020 and June/July 2021.

    Results

    13.0% incidence of depressive symptoms was identified; as well as 12.2% remission; 24.1% persistence and 50.7% absence. Among the factors associated with the worst prognoses we can mention female gender, greater workload, feeling of overload, illness of family members or friends due to COVID-19 and use of psychotropic drugs

    Conclusions

    There was significant mobility in the diagnosis of depression among the professionals studied during the period analysed, with incidence of new cases of significant depression and greater than the number of remissions. In addition to sociodemographic aspects, traumatic experiences and exposure to continuous overload were associated with persistence and incidence of new cases.

    Implications for the profession and/or patient care

    With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have shown an increase in depressive symptoms among nursing professionals; however, understanding the long-term effects of this scenario is still a challenge.

    Impact

    What problem did the study address? This study investigates changes in the mental health status of nursing professionals working at different care levels, taking the prevalence of screening for depression as a proxy, during a period of a year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    What were the main findings? Between both data collection moments, 2020 e 2021, there was a significant percentage of professionals with persistent depression, in addition to a significant proportion of incident cases that slightly exceeded the number of remissions and the factors associated with the worst prognoses were sociodemographic aspects such as gender and emotional stressors like illness of family members or close friends due to COVID-19, in addition to those related to the organisation and support provided by the services, such as workload and feeling of overload.

    Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This study will impact the nursing professionals and in role of the health services in order to establishing actions that contribute to minimising the deleterious effects of the pandemic on the mental health of their Nursing teams.

    Reporting method

    The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were adopted in this study.

    Patient or public contribution

    No Patient or Public Contribution.

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